A SPECIAL portrait collection is on its way to Stratford's Percy Thomson Gallery.
Sponsored by the Adam Foundation and presented by the Portrait Gallery of New Zealand in Wellington, the Adam Portraiture Award is a biennial award that showcases a fascinating collection of portraits, painting styles, artists and sitters.
Theexhibition coming to Stratford consists of 40 works selected from the 93 finalists in the 2010 Award, and is being presented by The New Zealand Portrait Gallery, Te Pukenga Whakaata.
Local artists Jon Hacon, Peter Lambert and Paul Hutchinson featured in the final selection and Peter's work Laura is on tour, along with a portrait of Stratford identity, Hemi Haddon by Wanganui artist André Brönnimann.
The exhibition opens at 7.30 pm on Friday, August 13 and runs until September 13 and as part of the opening celebrations, noted portraiture expert, Dr Keith Ovenden will give an address.
"We are honoured to have the opportunity of hearing a speaker of such knowledge and experience opening the exhibition. We'd like to offer the public a unique opportunity to hear the renowned scholar, author, researcher and arts advocate," says gallery director, Sue Morton.
So Laugh, smile or grimace – it's hard not to be drawn into the mystery of another face and the story that lies behind it. Who do we think we are?
Come and tell us what your pick is from this engaging mixture of people and paintings and head to the opening on Friday, August 13.
